Driving Tricks to Save Your Ride in Collierville, TN

Car or truck repairs can pop up anytime, but your attention to car care can really change things like how fast your transmission and clutch give out, how often you need to replace your brakes and even early engine failure.

Usually, good driving for your car is also ideal for your own health because it's safer. Below are a few tips on avoiding these bad habits so your car works better and lasts longer.

Don't Drive Too Fast

Driving as fast as possible on the freeway can be a rush. But driving too fast can be hard for your engine. Our engine experts at Christian Brothers in Collierville, TN advise that most cars and trucks perform best at forty to sixty miles per hour. If you drive faster than that, you will burn more fuel mile by mile and your transmission will be pushed to the max. Also, operating at top capacity means extra stress on all your engine parts, and that can cause you to need early repairs. In the end, driving safely is a great way to show that you love your vehicle.

Don't Shift Like a Novice

Shifting is a big deal. First, don't ever change directions or park while your car is moving. Also, don't shift into park and leave the car without also putting on the parking brake. When you do, your whole car will rest against the transmission itself. For stick shifts, be careful to remove your foot from the clutch when you aren't shifting. These simple habits could save you many hundreds of dollars.

Don't Race and Slam the Brakes

It's not a race. Of course this driving habit is dangerous. But beyond that, shotgunning at stoplights and then braking hard is rough on your engine, your transmission, your suspension system and your brakes. It's only natural to show off a fast auto, but true car lovers know that trying to show off too much will be destructive down the road.

Don't Idle or Rev

If you've read our blog, you know our expert advice on idling. It's also a bad idea to rev your engine while stopped, especially if you're doing so with a cold engine. If you do, the engine will not become lubricated safely and the catalytic convertor won't function properly. Furthermore, this cold-to-hot behavior can mean widespread damage.

Don't Drive on Empty

There are 3 main reasons not to drive close to empty, and only one of them involves running out of gas. One of the other reasons is that sediment in gas settles on the bottom of your tank, so when the level is low your fuel pump has to force that sediment through the fuel lines. This causes buildup and can also cause your car to work a little harder than necessary. Also, gas or diesel in the tank usually helps cool the part that pumps fuel, making it more efficient. If you have too little, your fuel pump could get too hot.

Don't Start Slowly

Primarily to save gas, know that It's silly start driving too slowly. Some drivers have been taught not to dart off from a stop, and this is generally true. But accelerating too slowly prevents your engine from normal driving conditions and can make the transmission and engine work extra hard. You should probably drive at about the same speed as the drivers around you.

Get Your Vehicle Checked at Christian Brothers

In addition to driving wisely, keep your auto clean inside and out. You should also be careful to check the lights, oil and tires regularly. And at regular intervals, bring your ride in to your Collierville Christian Brothers location for a pro checkup.